Facebook: WhatsApp and In App Payment
December 22, 2018
I noted two developments which Facebook may roll out.
The first is the story in Newsweek “WhatsApp Child Porn Groups Exposed.” WhatsApp is an encrypted messaging service. As pressure on “old school” Dark Web sites continues to escalate, bad actors are looking for new, easy ways to communicate, share, and locate information that is of interest to them. Encryption, according to many investigators, allows bad actors to go dark. The authorities are, therefore, blind to potentially useful information. The write up suggests that Facebook is taking some action. The article said:
Facebook said working with police may be their best option to combat the material.
The second item concerns transacting, buying, and selling within WhatsApp. I noted “Facebook Explores Blockchain Tech For WhatsApp Money Transfers.” According to the write up:
In an effort to help WhatsApp users transfer money, Facebook is reportedly creating a digital currency. Unnamed sources told Bloomberg that the company is at work on a stablecoin, which is a cryptocurrency tied to the value of the U.S. dollar, and is reportedly eyeing India’s remittance market.
How quickly will bad actors interested in salacious or illegal content embrace Facebook’s vision of seamless buying and selling?
I would suggest quickly if the system sort of works.
With Facebook’s record of fine tuning its digital compass, WhatsApp could become the new Dark Web.
On the other hand, maybe Facebook will create a positive, uplifting union of services. Yep, maybe.
Stephen E Arnold, December 22, 2018
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